Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Springfield

Missouri

Albuquerque is 20% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,085/mo ↑ 18%

Median Rent

$920/mo ↓ 15%

$65,604/yr ↑ 43%

Median Income

$45,984/yr ↓ 30%

$266,700 ↑ 61%

Home Value

$165,200 ↓ 38%

$1,149/mo ↑ 27%

Owner Costs

$908/mo ↓ 21%

562,488

Population

169,432

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.95%

5.0%

Sales Tax

4.225%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.93%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $19,620/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Springfield — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Springfield?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $165/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Springfield?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $19,620/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Missouri?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Springfield?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.